Things to see and do Eastern Georgia

There are two synagogues in Sourami, one of which is still working. The Jewish community of Sourami, despite emigration and assimilation, would still have about 300 souls. The two synagogues are located in the old town, concentrated around the fortress and church of the Mother of God; they're barely separate from normal residential houses, except you can see the star of David.

It has recently been restored; they are in fact resting places (theoretically for children) that can be very pleasantly used as a hotel.

Recently renovated, this little archaeological museum not too badly made exposes above all objects found in Mtskhéta during archaeological excavations. Revealing the important culture that Mtskhéta has known at different eras of antiquity, it exhibits beautiful objects, some of which are very old: jewellery, weapons, and, above all, ornées of 6 000 years old.

Originally Orthodox, it is a smaller structure, but not devoid of charm. We will recognize by far the new white church of Kviratskhovéli, built in 2000 at the top of the hill.

On the north-east outskirts of Dedoplistskaro lies, visible from the road, one of these picturesque sites typical of Georgia. On a piton of the shredded relief of the last foothills of the Gombori Mountains, the evocative ruin of a medieval fortress rises. Khornaboudji is so well located that construction seems to interfere in the rock in a perfectly harmonious way. The ruins are large and the site is the subject of a beautiful hike from the town of Dedoplistskaro (about 4 km), especially since the view has been aerial since its peak.

Khornaboudji was probably founded in the th century. Under the reign of Vakhtang Gorgassali, it was one of the most important cities of Forteresses. After being destroyed by the Arabs, it was observed in the th century by Queen Tamar who made one of her residences. It was definitively ruined in the th century by the Shah Abas's Persian troops who devastated the Kakhétie.

The new visitor centre is located in the Dedoplistskaro. You need to prevent yourself in advance (the maintainer speaks English) to be sure to find someone when you arrive. Any entry into the park requires stopping at the centre to receive permission. If you are an independent visitor, you will be aiguillera on the circuits to be borrowed.

This small French-Georgian company, specialist in the Touchétie, also offers crossings in the park of Vachlovani in season. It is one of the few agencies that specializes in Vachlovani, especially to take horse riding - probably the best way to discover the region… 

In the centre of Sourami, drink at the kiosque fountain, the Ferrugineuse water is supposed to have exceptional virtues. Do not miss to buy nazoukis, local brioches with cinnamon and grapes, renowned throughout the country!